[Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2025 and is being shared again as the iconic Burj Khalifa marks its 16th anniversary.]
Some structures are so vital to a city’s identity that they become symbols of it. In Dubai, that landmark is the 828-meter-tall Burj Khalifa, visible from 60 miles away. Construction of this glass-and-steel marvel began in 2004, and by its opening in 2010, it had already broken numerous world records, including being the tallest building and featuring one of the fastest double-deck elevators.
From transforming into a massive billboard for light shows to starring in a Mission Impossible movie, here are 16 remarkable moments from the life of the Burj Khalifa.
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The Burj Khalifa impresses for many reasons: it’s the tallest globally, holds numerous records, and photographs beautifully, especially during storms. When fierce rainstorms, complete with thunder and lightning, occur, sparks often strike the building. Thankfully, the Burj Khalifa is equipped with a lightning protection system featuring 18 lightning rods to guard against electrical storms. No damage occurs, just a spectacular sight.
2010: Grand Debut
The world watched as this sky-piercer took shape, and on January 4, 2010, when it was unveiled, it grabbed headlines worldwide. People globally were captivated as Dubai showcased a sign of recovery from the 2008-09 financial crisis. The world’s tallest building had arrived.
2010: Spectacular Fireworks
Each New Year’s Eve, the display at Burj Khalifa becomes more magnificent, drawing louder crowds. The tradition began with the building’s launch, and by 2023, it featured 828 meters of fireworks, 2,500 firing directions, 287 firing positions, and a 4,000-watt laser show.
2011: Tom Cruise’s Daring Stunt
The Burj Khalifa has appeared in numerous films, but none as impactful as the 2011 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise, known for performing his own stunts, scaled and dangled from the Burj Khalifa, leaving global audiences in awe. He performed the stunt at approximately 1,700 feet above the ground.
2011: Spiderman’s Ascent
When something is tall, it must be climbed. Alain Robert, known as French Spiderman, scaled the building in 2011, taking six hours to climb the glass façade. Unusually, he used a rope and harness. “I know there may be specific requirements,” he told Reuters before the climb. “This is such an iconic building, and I understand the need to protect both me and the precious Burj Khalifa.”
2014: Thrilling Base Jump
Would you dare to jump off the world’s tallest building? French daredevils Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet did just that in 2014, executing the highest base jump from a building. Organized by Skydive Dubai, they trained by base jumping off Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen mountain, similar in height to the Burj Khalifa.
2015: A Romantic Icon
The accolades keep coming. In 2015, the Burj Khalifa was named the world’s best attraction by online ticket sales site Attractiontix. Its eateries, such as At.mosphere, and its observation deck, At the Top, were major draws. The Burj was also listed among the most romantic attractions alongside France’s Eiffel Tower and the US’s Empire State Building.
2020: Gender Reveal Extravaganza
An Arab YouTube influencer couple took gender reveals to a new level. Anas and Asala Marwah announced their second child’s gender using the Burj Khalifa, which lit up for the reveal. A 15-minute video captured the Syrian-Canadian couple’s moment, going viral on social media. (It was a boy, by the way).
2020: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ascent
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum enjoys physical challenges, and one such venture was climbing to the top of the Burj Khalifa. Harnessed to its spire, 828 meters high, Sheikh Hamdan shared a video clip with his social media followers. Other celebrities who’ve reached the top include Will Smith and Mr Beast.
2020: Gaming Icon
A story set on the big screen often features iconic landmarks. For Dubai, that place is the Burj Khalifa, which appeared in games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Assassin’s Creed Origins, thanks to its stunning CGI.
2021: Emirates’ Unique Announcement
The pandemic affected travel arrangements, leaving many disheartened. When Emirates learned about the UAE’s removal from the UK’s travel red list, it announced the news in a unique way. A ‘cabin crew member’ (Nicole Smith-Ludvik, a professional skydiving instructor) stood atop the Burj Khalifa’s highest point, holding placards to deliver the message. Once the initial shock subsided, the video went viral.
2021: Armin van Buuren’s High-Altitude Set
Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren performed at the 149th floor of Burj Khalifa. With the city’s glittering skyline as his backdrop, he played a set that included Transmission, Futuro, and Reflexion. Performing at such heights required meticulous planning and rigorous safety measures. Van Buuren’s 40-minute set was shot in 4K by 18 cameras.
2021: Romantic Proposal
How much would you spend on a perfect wedding proposal? When 25-year-old Ibrahim Zoroub proposed to his girlfriend Kamilla Bakytova, he rented the Burj Khalifa’s lights. The building flashed ‘Kamilla, look behind you!’, and as she turned, she found him on one knee with a diamond ring. (She said yes). Renting the LED screen reportedly costs Dh250,000 for a three-minute display.
2022: Futuristic Design
Like something from a comic book, experimental architecture firm ZNera Space proposed a design of a five-story ring around the skyscraper. Named Downtown Circle, this design is expected to stand at 550 meters (1,804 feet) above street level, with a circumference of more than three kilometers. It hasn’t been realized yet but remains a possibility.
2024: Bollywood Tribute
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is well-known in the UAE, not just for his movies. On his 59th birthday last year, Burj Khalifa lit up with a birthday greeting and his image. He was among the first Indian stars to have his movie trailer and birthday message displayed on the giant screen.
2025-2026: Mid-Air Orchestra Near Burj Khalifa
The massive building is famous for its jaw-dropping New Year celebrations, and it entered 2026 in style with a unique feat.
Minutes before the countdown at Burj Khalifa, a breathtaking performance unfolded — a female music conductor ascended into the sky above the Dubai Fountain, leading an orchestra stationed below her.
Yasmina wore a stunning red dress, designed to highlight her ascent in the night sky. The dress also had a long train to emphasize the height. Read the Khaleej Times report for more on why Lebanese music conductor Yasmina Sabah was chosen for this awe-inspiring performance.
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